Kazakhstan and China Expand Investment Cooperation in Science and Medicine
Meetings with the participation of Advisor to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Science and Innovation Kunsulu Zakarya, Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Gabidulla Ospankulov, and the leadership of the Chinese company BGI Group were held at the site of JSC "NC "KAZAKH INVEST." The parties discussed the progress of the company's projects in Kazakhstan, including the creation of the Forebright Life Science Technology Fund, under which JSC Qazaqstan Investment Corporation and BGI Group will finance projects in the field of life science.
BGI Group is one of the world leaders in genome research of living organisms (formerly the Beijing Institute of Genomics). The company has over 100 joint laboratories, medical centers, and production facilities in more than 30 countries and employs over 10,000 people.
In 2023, BGI Group opened an innovative genetic laboratory, "Astana Genetic Center," on the basis of the National Center for Biotechnology under the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The laboratory specializes in conducting a wide range of molecular genetic tests related to reproductive health, diagnosis of hereditary diseases, and monitoring in the field of oncology.
The fund will focus on financing innovative projects in multi-genetic technologies and synthetic biology in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Special attention will be paid to healthcare, including the development of reproductive technologies, prenatal research for the prevention of birth defects, and comprehensive newborn screening.
During the meeting, K. Zakaria voiced issues of deepening bilateral cooperation and strengthening work on establishing partnerships between the scientific communities of the two countries. In turn, G. Ospankulov noted the importance of developing cooperation in the scientific and technical sphere and healthcare by realizing investment potential.
Following the talks, representatives of BGI Group thanked the Investment Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and KAZAKH INVEST for their support in the implementation of the company's investment projects.
